You and your family can go zero-carbon now: A step-by-step guide

On understanding and optimizing your carbon footprint. Carbon compensation for the rest of us. Improving through iteration. The potential for mass decarbonization.

Over the past few years, I learned a lot about energy efficiency, climate change, and the importance of sustainable living. I may not be an expert, but I've discovered that transitioning to a zero-carbon lifestyle doesn't require big sacrifices. It's not something only big corporations can do, it's within reach for all of us. My family and I have lived a carbon-negative life for over a year now. Curious about how you can do it too? Let me show you.

Step one: understand your carbon footprint

The first step is understanding your current carbon footprint and gain awareness of your personal situation. For a quick estimate, you might use an online Carbon Footprint Calculator like the EPA Carbon Footprint Calculator or the WWF Environmental Footprint Calculator , which consider your lifestyle to give a realistic figure. If you're like me and love the details, you could go deeper. I was inspired by a German book, "Warum Meerschweinchen das Klima retten " ("Why guinea pigs save the climate"), to create a detailed spreadsheet for my family's CO2 emissions.

Don't feel pressured, though. This is about progress, not perfection. You can also start simple: consider your country's average per person CO2 footprint. In Germany, for example, it's about 11 metric tons per year .

Step two: optimize your footprint

Now that you're aware of your carbon footprint, you can start optimizing. Just to be clear: this isn't about sacrifice. It's about smart, practical changes that are easy to adopt and can offer additional benefits.

As an example, back in 2019, I realized my family didn't need two cars since I already used public transport for commuting. Selling my car not only shrunk my carbon footprint but also reduced my monthly expenses like maintenance, tax, insurance, and depreciation. Sure, my commute is a bit longer now, but I use this extra time to enjoy a good read.

See what I mean by win-win?

Try to uncover your own hidden gems of carbon-reducing measures that bring unexpected benefits. Imagine swapping frequent restaurant visits or take-aways for cooking your own meals using fresh, organic, and locally-sourced ingredients. Or consider replacing stressful long-haul flights with a relaxed train journey or a family road-trip to nearby countries for your next vacation.

Let’s continue and see what’s possible to reduce the rest to zero.

Step three: compensate the rest

Ever thought of erasing your carbon footprint entirely? Companies like Atmosfair (in Germany) allow you to do just that. I’ve been using them for a few years to offset our holiday and business flights’ carbon emissions. Similar options are available in more and more countries world-wide.

But why stop at flights?

With these companies, you can offset any amount of carbon. Your contribution funds projects that reduce global carbon emissions. For example, your money could help replace a diesel generator with solar panels in a different country.

Yes, carbon offsetting isn't perfect. It's always better to prevent emissions in the first place, which is why "Step two: optimize your footprint" comes first. Also, make sure to verify the credibility of these companies by reading their transparency report and checking their certifications.

The key thing is: carbon offsetting is no longer reserved for companies, it is now accessible and affordable for everybody. I donate 100 Euros monthly to Atmosfair, effectively offsetting approximately double my family's remaining carbon footprint.

What are your local carbon offsetting options, and how can you contribute effectively?

Oh, I almost forgot, here’s a bonus: Many of these companies are non-profits, so you may be able to deduct your contributions from your taxes. Another win-win!

Step four: iterate and improve

Congratulations, you have reached carbon-neutrality! But let's not stop here. The final step in this journey is to continually evolve and improve your personal de-carbonization plan. As life changes and new options emerge, your plan can adapt too.

For instance, I've also started donating an additional 100 Euros each month to Plant-for-the-Planet , an organization that plants a tree for every Euro I donate. With some research and calculations, I realized that after 3 years, these 3,600 trees will capture enough carbon to offset my previous life's emissions. And I won’t stop until all of my family’s historic carbon emissions are accounted for, and then some.

As you continue your research and discover new strategies, you'll find even more ways to reduce your carbon emissions or improve your offsetting efforts. What once felt like a challenging task can turn into a rewarding journey towards a sustainable lifestyle. Let's keep learning and improving together!

Conclusion: net zero carbon – it's within your reach

The climate crisis is here, it's real, and we’re all feeling its impacts. However, I firmly believe that every one of us can be part of the solution, rather than just spectators or victims.

With your own de-carbonization plan, you can take action and avoid feeling helpless. Instead of being overwhelmed by the scale of global emissions, you can share your experience and inspire others to join the journey. And instead of waiting for corporations or governments to act, you can start today, right now.

As a LinkedIn user, you likely have access to the resources necessary to calculate your carbon footprint, improve your lifestyle factors, and start your de-carbonization journey. On average, each person in the US emits about 15 metric tons of CO2 per year . But for less than $29 a month , we can all reduce this to zero, and with some smart optimization, it can cost even less.

I hope this article helped you take control of your carbon footprint, become a part of the solution, and motivated you to inspire others. What actions did you take already? What have you learned? What will you do next? What if every LinkedIn user and their families did the above steps?

(Note: I am not affiliated with any of the organisations mentioned in this article. If you know of any alternative, please leave a comment, I’m always eager to learn!)